Saudi Vice FM Receives US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Other Diplomats

Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed bin Abdulkarim El-Khereiji received US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Michael Ratney. (SPA)
Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed bin Abdulkarim El-Khereiji received US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Michael Ratney. (SPA)
TT

Saudi Vice FM Receives US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Other Diplomats

Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed bin Abdulkarim El-Khereiji received US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Michael Ratney. (SPA)
Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed bin Abdulkarim El-Khereiji received US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Michael Ratney. (SPA)

Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Eng. Waleed bin Abdulkarim El-Khereiji received in Riyadh the US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Michael Ratney, with whom he reviewed relations between the two countries, ways to boost ties, and regional and international developments, the Saudi Press Agency said on Sunday.
El-Khereiji also met separately with the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Saudi Arabia Oraz Charyyev, with whom he discussed relations and means to bolster them, as well as topics of common interest.
He also held talks with Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Chen Weiqing, who bid farewell upon the conclusion of his term in the Kingdom.
El-Khereiji commended Weiqing's efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and wished him the best in his future endeavors.



EU Gulf Envoy: Saudi Arabia Is a Crucial Global Player

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
TT

EU Gulf Envoy: Saudi Arabia Is a Crucial Global Player

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)

Luigi Di Maio, the EU Special Representative for the Gulf region, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the recent visit by the President of the European Council to Saudi Arabia was to prepare for the upcoming EU-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Brussels on October 16.

This will be the first summit between the two regional organizations, with leaders from both sides attending, marking a significant step in their cooperation.

Di Maio stressed the importance of strong ties between leaders, noting that European Council President Charles Michel has been dedicated to strengthening these relations since his first visit to the Gulf two years ago, when he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah.

He added that since 2022, EU-Gulf relations have improved, with a focus on cooperation in areas like climate change, trade, investment, digitization, and sustainable supply chains.

Di Maio emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue to build mutual understanding and deepen these relations.

He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s key role in global affairs, especially in seeking solutions for the Gaza conflict, reducing tensions in the Middle East, and pursuing a just peace in Ukraine.

He stressed that closer cooperation between the EU and Saudi Arabia is essential in tackling these issues.

Di Maio praised Thursday’s preparatory meeting in Riyadh between GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi and Michel, calling it “timely and constructive” for the upcoming summit.

He emphasized both sides’ commitment to making the summit a success, noting that it will “send a strong signal about elevating EU-Gulf relations to a strategic level.”

Di Maio outlined the key topics for discussion at the summit in Brussels, including climate action, the green transition, digital advancements, trade, investments, and visa exemptions.

He added that the summit will also address major geopolitical challenges, particularly in the Middle East and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.